Central Region Chapter

FIDF Central Region, established in 1981, is based in Chicago and incorporates the larger Midwest community. Engaging special events and vibrant year-round programming hosting Israel’s brave soldiers are integral to the Region’s activities. Also fundamental to FIDF Central Region are its affinity groups—Women’s Brigade, Young Leadership and the burgeoning Trades Unit including Real Estate, Law and Finance.

The passion, dedication and spirit of the Central Region shines brightly at its Annual Dinner, now marking its 23rd year.  This year’s event, hosted at the Chicago Hyatt Regency, honors Hezi Levy with the Yonatan Netanyahu Memorial Award for exceptional service on behalf of Israel and her soldiers. For more information, please click the link below.

Central Region | 29 East Madison | Chicago, IL 60602-4550 | 312-372-8500 | chicago@FIDF.org


Central Region Young Leadership Hosts Summer Event

This summer, FIDF Central Region – Young Leadership hosted a Summer Event at The Underground, a popular nightclub in the heart of Chicago. 
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IMPACT! Mission to Israel

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Save The Date- October 19th- The 2010 Annual Dinner!






FIDF-Central Region Raises $2.2 Million to Aid Israel’s Soldiers

Funds raised support educational, cultural, and recreational programs for the young men and women soldiers of Israel
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FIDF Central Region hosts IDF officers

During the month of January 2010, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Central Region hosted IDF Officers Second Lieutenant Shachar and Lieutenant Noa for a week of events with the Chicagoland community!
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Central Region Executive Board


John Lowenstein - Chairman Craig Bernfield
Jorde M. Nathan - President Dennis Lapidus
Daniel J. Hyman - Vice-President Mickey Sanderman
Gregg Schneider - Treasurer Steve Hefter 
Mark Schneider*As of July 7, 2010 Installation

Central Region Chapter Board of Directors


Caryn Rosen Adelman Adam Levy
Jeffrey Aeder Hezi Levy
Dan Anbar Israel Levy
Steve Blonder Michael Levy
Alan Brody Annette Lidawer
Marc Brown Jeanne Randall Malkin
Penny Brown Jonathan Markowitz
Douglas Cohen Gerald Mizel
Lance Cutler William J. Neiman
Oren Dekalo Cathy Pockross
Gary Elkins Robert Polak
Sig Feiger James Resnick
Stewart Flink Barry Rosenthal
Albert Frank Saul Rudo
Fred Friedman David Schneider
Andrew Glick Edward Schwartz
Michael Goldberg Glenn Seiden
Andrew Goodman Robin Selati
Robert Harris Michael Siegel
Andrew Hochberg Morris Silverman
Larry J. Hochberg Marc Spellman
David Israel Daniel Stern
Thomas Kane Mark Taussig
Donald Kirk Gerald Weiner
Sari KleinSherrie Weiss
Lori KomisarAl Winick
Larry KuglerArie Zweig
Benjamin Leshem 

Central Region Women's Brigade Chairwomen


Nancy Carson - Events Co-Chairwoman Jenny Newman - Board Member
Susan Eggener - Board Member Cathy Pockross - Past Chairwoman
Susan Gault - Board MemberBarbara Pohn Stal - Board Member
Sheri Hokin - Education Co-ChairwomanHarriet Resnick - Outreach Chairwoman
Sari Klein - Chairwoman of the BoardKaren Rosenthal - Events Co-Chairwoman
Lori  Komisar - Board MemberSherrie Weiss - Vice-Chairwoman of the Board
Annette Lidawer - Past Chairwoman 

Central Region Board of Trustees


Melvin Berlin Adi Mor
Buz Hoffman Leslie Richman
Shifra Karkomi Edward Zale
Andrew Lappin Lawrence E. Glick
Eugene Lerner  

Young Leadership Board


Adam Levy - President
Sara Feinstein - Board Member
Oren Dekalo - FounderDana Levy - Board Member
Tom Kane - TreasurerNoah Levy - Board Member
Lindsay Gershon - Social Chair 

Central Region Professional Staff


Adina Y. Torchman - Executive Director Lauren Waldstein - Development Associate
June Dreznick - Director of Programs & Operations
Liz Erlich - Financial Manager
Allyson Becker - Development Director 

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Testimonials


"While Israel's unyielding soldiers were risking their lives defending Israel, a land that is physically and symbolically irreplaceable, I was fortunate enough to be studying for midterms. Helping to ensure the comfort and well-being of these young heroes through the FIDF is the least I can do to say 'Thank You'."

- Adam Levy, Young Leadership President

"On my first FIDF mission, my true dedication to Israel was formed. I visited several Army bases, met several military officers and hundreds of wonderful, brave, and beautiful Israeli soldiers. I spent many hours in awe, in conversation, in study with these new friends, trying to grasp the true meaning of the need for the preservation of Israel for all of the Jewish people. By the end of this visit, I understood. I knew that I got it. As a result of that experience with the FIDF, my life changed forever .Since then, I do what I can to help the Israeli soldier, not as a charity, but as a passion."

- Mickey Sanderman, Central Region Chairman of the Board

"My involvement with FIDFand Womens Brigade comes from visiting Israel for the first time in 2006 a few days prior to the War in Lebanon.I was dumbstruck to learn of the soldiers training and commitment and was immensely impressed with their leadership and innovative technology. I had to get involved and show my appreciation in some way."

- Sari Klein, Women’s Brigade Chairwoman

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